Are you interested in learning how to facilitate a peer support group? Or have you facilitated before and would like to refresh your skills? Join us for an engaging workshop designed to build your confidence in leading safe, welcoming and effective support group conversations. This session explores what makes an effective facilitator, including the key roles and responsibilities of a peer support group facilitator. You will learn about the importance of clear communication, practical tools to support meaningful discussion, and ways to create a positive group environment. The workshop will also explore how conflict can be perceived within groups and provide strategies to help manage challenging moments with confidence and care.

Foundations of Governance: Building Strong Peer Support Groups is a practical workshop designed for current and emerging peer support group leaders, volunteers and community organisations to understand the key foundations needed to run a safe, organised and sustainable group. The session explores what governance means in a peer support context, including vision and purpose, strategic planning, group roles, board responsibilities, meetings, governing documents, conduct, compliance, accountability and transparency. Attendees will also look at common challenges groups may face, such as declining membership, low morale, difficult behaviours or resistance to change, and explore practical tools and tips to manage these issues with confidence.

Are you a peer support group leader, facilitator, member or volunteer who gives time, energy and care to support others? Join us for an inviting and practical workshop designed to support the wellbeing of people across the peer support sector. Peer support is powerful, but it can also be emotionally demanding. This session will explore stress, burnout and compassion fatigue, including the signs to look out for and the factors that can contribute to overwhelm. Attendees will reflect on strengths, values and boundaries, explore what genuine self-care looks like, and begin building a realistic self-care plan. This workshop supports a stronger, more sustainable peer support sector by helping people care for themselves while continuing to care for their communities. Facilitated by Romy Pritchard from RDP Enterprise Solutions, Romy has worked in the community services sector for over 20 years, educating and supporting children, young people and adults. Through RDP Enterprise Solutions, Romy develops and delivers training, workshops and seminars across suicide awareness and prevention, mental health and wellbeing education, and parenting coaching. Romy is a multi-accredited instructor and qualified trainer who combines strengths-based content delivery with an engaging and supportive learning environment. This event is part of Alike WA’s RGU Program and is relevant for people living with, or caring for someone with, a rare, genetic or undiagnosed condition. Burnout and self-care are important across the broader peer support sector, so anyone who feels this session would be valuable is warmly encouraged to register.

Each year, Alike WA consults with peer support groups across Western Australia to learn more about the challenges and priorities of groups. Your views and comments will also help Alike WA understand what is needed to support healthy, connected communities across Western Australia. The feedback gathered will inform Alike WA’s service delivery, sector development and advocacy activities, ensuring our work continues to respond to the needs and priorities of the peer support group sector. We invite you to attend our upcoming Sector Consultations to provide your input and help us to determine the key issues and priorities of the sector. If you are unable to attend this online consultation but would like to provide your input, please reach out to us at info@alike.org.au.

Are you interested in starting a peer support group, or are you in the early stages of developing and delivering one? This free 2-hour online workshop provides practical guidance to help you build a strong foundation for a safe, inclusive and sustainable peer support group. Through interactive activities and active learning, you will explore your group’s purpose, vision and mission, along with structure, outreach, member engagement and practical tools to help bring your group to life with confidence.